Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Distance
- Great Balloon Chase 1/2 Marathon · Great Balloon Chase 10K Run · Great Balloon Chase 5K Run/Walk
From the Organizer
🎈 The Great Balloon Chase
Rise to the Run!
A destination race celebrating the magic of hot air balloons and the thrill of running
🎉 10th Anniversary Celebration! 🎉
The first 1,000 registrants will receive an exclusive commemorative jacket!
RaceNM proudly presents the Great Balloon Chase—available in a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Get ready for the most breathtaking run of your life! Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring above you as you run.
Why This Race Is a Must-Do
Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring above you as you run!
Race against the majestic Sandia Mountains and the picturesque Rio Grande River Valley. It's like running through a postcard!
Whether you're aiming for a half marathon, a swift 10K, or a fun 5K, we've got the perfect distance for you.
There's no other race that combines the thrill of running with the magic of hot air balloons. It's a bucket-list-worthy event!
From the starting gun to the finish line, every moment will be Instagram-worthy and etched in your memory forever.
Don't Wait to Register!
Early birds get the worm... and the perks!
Register Now
Join Us for an Extraordinary Morning Run
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 5K-er, the Great Balloon Chase offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. It's more than a race—it's an adventure, a challenge, and a celebration all rolled into one unforgettable event.
Don't miss out on this chance to be part of something truly special. Lace up your shoes, set your sights high, and chase those balloons!
Important Notes
- • Registration closes when capacity is reached. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot and all race perks.
- • This event is not affiliated with any other hot air balloon event.
- • While we strive to provide an amazing balloon-viewing experience, please note that the presence of hot air balloons during the race cannot be guaranteed due to weather conditions and other factors beyond our control.
- • Regardless of balloon activity, we promise an incredible race experience with stunning views and a festive atmosphere!
Join us for this unique destination event that captures the magical spirit of New Mexico's hot air ballooning tradition, combines it with the thrill of running, and showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Land of Enchantment's diverse landscapes!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
16%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Albuquerque Intl Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Albuquerque, NM
Population
562,488
as of 2023
Elevation
4,979 ft
Nearest Airport
ABQ
Albuquerque International Sunport · 3 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
118
Days to train
- Race
- Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
- Date
- October 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Albuquerque, NM
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Rio Retro 5K Run/ Walk
5K
Less than a mile away
CHERRY GARCIA RUN: 10K, 5K Run or Walk and Kids K
Youth
Less than a mile away
LAVENDER RUN
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon?
- Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon is a running race held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon?
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 6000 Los Poblanos Feild Trail, Albuquerque, NM. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
Oct 4, 2026